With the output power of CO2-Lasers still increasing, the optimization of optical components becomes even more important. In todays high power lasersystems the optics have to withstand power densities of typically 1 kW/cm2 and more, thus absorption has to be kept at a minimum. If not, problems such as distortion of the optical surface, loss of mode control, loss of output power, thermal focusing in the output beam or even damage to the whole system might occur.

Date Published: 1 February 1991
PDF: 8 pages
Proc. SPIE 1397, 8th Intl Symp on Gas Flow and Chemical Lasers, (1 February 1991); doi: 10.1117/12.25920

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 1397:
8th Intl Symp on Gas Flow and Chemical Lasers
Concepcion Maroto Domingo; Jose M. Orza, Editor(s)